Ghana Football Association (GFA) President Kurt Okraku has called for the implementation of mandatory theoretical exams for referees three times a year.
This proposal aims to ensure that referees stay updated with the rules and regulations governing football.
He made these comments during a one-day training workshop for Referees Managers of the ten Regional Football Associations in Accra.
“The Regional Referees Managers have to be honest and more scientific. There should be mandatory theoretical exams conducted three times a year with these exams being computerized for all referees across the country,” said Okraku.
Okraku’s remarks come in response to numerous complaints about officiating in domestic leagues, leading to some coaches being charged for post-match comments on referees.
He emphasised the importance of delivering quality football and creating a vibrant footballing environment for the entire population to enjoy. Okraku highlighted the need to provide opportunities for young boys and girls from all over Ghana to participate in football.
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The “Catch Them Young referees” initiative, launched in 2020, has been instrumental in officiating matches at the District and Regional Football Association levels. This policy aims to train and develop passionate young boys and girls aged between 12 and 17 in the field of refereeing.
Under the “Catch Them Young” policy, the GFA has trained approximately 1,200 young referees across the country, reflecting the commitment to nurturing talent and enhancing the quality of refereeing in Ghanaian football.
The various domestic competitions are however set to resume this weekend with teams battling for survival while others focus on promotion and winning the respective titles.